June 18, 2011

After undergoing cryogenic testing and analysis at Victor Aviation in Palo Alto, Ca., wheel and rotors were shipped back to our Spanaway, WA. hangar and were the center of attention today. Exacting caliper measurements of the wheel hub and bearing assembly were recorded. Ed’s friend, Tom Jensen, came by to lend a hand.

Rich Pengelley delved deep into the innards of our American Valley Aviation start cart to trace out a number of electrical circuits to determine a problem affecting an inner valve.

Keith, Austin and Chris continued final work on the under belly mid wheel well enclosure.

Paul Crossfield

Near the end of the work day Team NAE was happy to have a visit by a very special guest. Paul Crossfield, son of the legendary test pilot Scott Crossfield, dropped in for a tour and some talk about the project.

His dad flew countless test flights in F-104 Starfighters, including our own tail number 56-0763. Scott’s name is listed among the noted pilots who flew our craft when it had wings and ruled the skies.

New Sponsor IMS Software

We are happy to introduce you to our new sponsor, IMS Software. IMSpost, the worlds most advanced postprocessing software, transforms CAD/CAM cutter location (Clfiles) into the specific machine codes (G/M codes) required by NC machines. IMSpost works seamlessly with Dassault Systèmes CATIA Software, Lenovo ThinkStations, and NC machines, in one easy to use interface. Look for a formal announcement later this week.

Ed will be talking about how North American Eagle™ engineers use their imagination and analytical skills to invent, design, and build the 56 foot long, 45,500 hp vehicle. They are team players with independent minds.

Old vs. New – Abacus Squares Up Against the HP 50g

Leslie Porterfield New Co-Driver

Big news in the past few weeks has been the addition of Leslie Porterfield to Team North American Eagle™ as new co-driver. Leslie already holds the title of world’s fastest woman on two wheels and will now do the same, later this fall, for automobiles.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of such a dynamic team. I am honored to be part of their mission to go after the absolute unlimited land speed record. This is an opportunity of a lifetime!” Ms. Porterfield states.

The team was also all for the decision by Leslie Porterfield, holder of multiple Guinness Book of Speed Records on motorcycles, to join the team and strive for the world land speed record for women in a different class. Leslie will be piloting the North American Eagle™ during some future test runs. Welcome aboard, Leslie! You rule on two wheels…..go for it on five wheels with a jet engine throttle in hand.

Friend and consultant to the North American Eagle™ Col Joe Kittinger’s book, Come Up and Get Meis now available in softcover from Amazon.com. The hardcover version is nearly sold out with copies going on Borders for over $200! If you haven’t got your copy yet now would be the time while supplies last. The softcover is now being sold, along with a Kindle version.

About

The North American Eagle project began as nothing more than an idea. That idea was to take a jet fighter, and turn it into the fastest racing machine in history. Together, Ed Shadle and Keith Zanghi founded a project with a goal to go supersonic, and break the World Land Speed Record of 763 MPH. Along the way, countless people have joined together to push the boundaries of speed, to see just how fast this car can go.

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